Abstract: Disclosed are paraffin inhibitors prepared by admixing a polymer having the characteristic of inhibiting paraffin crystalline growth in formation fluid from oil and gas wells with a first solvent selected from the weak to moderate wax solvents and a second solvent selected from the strong wax solvents. Exemplary weak to moderate wax solvents include benzene, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, propyl benzene, trimethyl benzene and mixtures thereof. Exemplary strong wax solvents include cyclopentane, cyclohexane, carbon disulfide, decalin and mixtures thereof. The solvent system disclosed has desirably better solubility with the polymers, even at reduced temperatures, than either solvent alone. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An aqueous fluid composition useful for the recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation, including a mixture of water, a water soluble polymer, an inorganic salt and at least one zwitterionic surfactant and methods of using same.

Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed herein, including, in one embodiment, a method comprising: introducing a settable composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the settable composition comprises: a cementitious component comprising a hydraulic cement and cement kiln dust; a swellable particle; and water; and allowing the settable composition to set in the subterranean formation. Another embodiment comprises a settable composition comprising: a cementitious component comprising a hydraulic cement and cement kiln dust; a swellable particle; and water.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a drilling fluid composition that comprises a surfactant-free emulsion comprising an oleaginous fluid, a fluid that is at least partially immiscible with the oleaginous fluid, and emulsion facilitating particles. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises a surfactant-free emulsion, the surfactant-free emulsion comprising an oleaginous fluid, a fluid that is at least partially immiscible with the oleaginous fluid, and emulsion facilitating particles; and treating the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of treating a formation with a well treatment fluid comprising a clay stabilizer comprising a polyamine ether before or during a well treatment such as cleanup, gravel packing, fracturing, or the like. The stabilizer can continue to inhibit fines migration in the treatment zone even after an aqueous fluid without the stabilizer, e.g. a production fluid or injection fluid, displaces the original treatment fluid. When the stabilizer is used in a viscoelastic system (VES) with an acid blend component, the viscosity of the VES is essentially unchanged relative to the VES alone without the stabilizer.

Abstract: A well treating composition of a composite containing a scale inhibitor adsorbed onto a water-insoluble adsorbent is useful in the control, formation and treatment of inorganic scales in a subterranean formation or wellbore. In addition, the well treating composition is useful in controlling the rate of release of scale inhibitor in the wellbore. The water-insoluble adsorbent may be activated carbon, silica particulate, precipitated silica, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, ground walnut shells, fuller's earth and organic synthetic high molecular weight water-insoluble adsorbents. The composite may be introduced into an oil or gas well with a carrier fluid.

Abstract: Sealant compositions comprising an alkali swellable latex and a pH increasing material and methods of using the same to service a wellbore are provided. In one embodiment, the sealant composition can be used in a wellbore and includes an alkali swellable latex and a pH increasing material. The sealant composition can have a pH of from about 7 to about 14. In other embodiments, the pH increasing material includes a base-producing material. The base-producing material can include alkali and alkali earth metal carbonates, alkali and alkali earth metal bicarbonates, alkali and alkali earth metal hydroxides, alkali and alkali earth metal oxides, alkali and alkali earth metal phosphates, alkali and alkali earth metal hydrogen phosphates, alkali and alkaline earth metal sulphides, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of silicates, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of aluminates, water soluble or water dispersible organic amines, polymeric amine, amino alcohols, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation includes forming a treatment fluid including a carrier fluid, a solid acid-precursor, and a solid scale inhibitor. The solid acid-precursor includes a material that forms an acid at downhole conditions in the subterranean formation. The method further includes adding a solid acid-responsive material into the treatment fluid, where the solid acid-responsive material enhances formation of acid from the solid acid-precursor in acidic conditions. The method includes performing an acid fracture treatment and inhibiting scale formation within the subterranean formation. The solid scale inhibitor allows for long-term scale inhibition after the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment of a subterranean formation which contains sand particles, said method comprising contacting said formation with a positively charged polymer capable of increasing the residual matrix strength of said sand particles whereby to reduce or prevent their migration whilst minimising any decrease in the permeability of said formation. Polymer materials suitable for use in the method of the invention include polyaminoacids, poly (diallyl ammonium salts) and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing of wells by injecting a degradable polymer phase as a fracturing fluid is provided. Composition and degree of polymerization of the degradable polymer and the selection of additives may be varied to adjust the viscosity, degradation time and other properties of the fracturing fluid. Viscous degradable fluid or pellets of degradable polymer may be placed in a wellbore as an internal phase in a low viscosity carrier fluid. A polymer-continuous liquid phase may be formed at a selected location in the wellbore, usually near perforations, before the polymer phase is pressured into a formation to form a hydraulic fracture.

Abstract: New hydrocarbon based slurry compositions and drilling, fracturing, completion and production fluids including the hydrocarbon based slurry composition are disclosed, where the composition includes a hydrocarbon soluble polymer adapted to decrease particle settling rates of particulate materials present in the fluids and in the case of fluids that include hydratable materials to increase hydration properties of such materials.

Abstract: A composition, apparatus and method of use of the composition and apparatus are described. In one aspect, a composition may include a shape-conforming material and nanoparticles sufficient to provide an elastic modulus of the composition that is greater than the elastic modulus of the shape-conforming material. A method of deploying an apparatus using such a composition may include placing the apparatus at a suitable location in a wellbore and activating the composition to deploy the apparatus in the wellbore.

Abstract: The invention provides a material comprising: a core made of a solid material; a first layer surrounding the core made of a swellable material able to swell in contact with a fluid ; a second layer surrounding the first layer made of a glue material able to glue to a third element.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation, the method comprising: (A) injecting down a well bore into the formation an admixture of (a) an emulsion having an internal aqueous phase comprising a water-soluble oil or gas field chemical or an aqueous dispersion of a water-dispersible oil or gas field chemical and an external oil phase comprising a liquid hydrocarbon and an oil-soluble surfactant and (b) a demulsifier comprising a solution of a surfactant having a cloud point temperature of above 40° C.; or (B) separately injecting down a well bore into the formation emulsion (a) and demulsifier (b) and generating an admixture of emulsion (a) and demulsifier (b) within the formation.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation, the method comprising: (A) injecting down a well bore into the formation an admixture of (a) an emulsion having an internal aqueous phase comprising a water-soluble oil or gas field chemical or an aqueous dispersion of a water-dispersible oil or gas field chemical and an external oil phase comprising a liquid hydrocarbon and an oil-soluble surfactant and (b) a demulsifier comprising a solution of a surfactant having a cloud point temperature of above 40° C.; or (B) separately injecting down a well bore into the formation emulsion (a) and demulsifier (b) and generating an admixture of emulsion (a) and demulsifier (b) within the formation.

Abstract: Use of water-soluble polymers for tertiary mineral oil production by introducing the polymer into a mineral oil deposit, in which the water-soluble polymers are used in the form of a dispersion of the water-soluble polymer and at least one water-soluble, polymeric stabilizer.

Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid having a polymer latex capable of providing a deformable latex film on at least a portion of a subterranean formation has been discovered to provide reduced drilling fluid pressure invasion when used to drill in shale formations for hydrocarbon recovery operations. A precipitating agent such as a silicate or an aluminum complex (e.g. sodium aluminate) is preferably used in conjunction with the polymer. Typically, the water present contains a salt to form a brine, often to saturation, although the invention may be practiced with fresh water. If a salt is employed, it is often helpful to additionally employ a surfactant, such as a betaine, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed are a flexible polymer, particles made from same, and a process for preparing the particles. This flexible polymer is obtained from copolymerizing monomer (A) and monomer (B), wherein monomer (A) is one or more water-insoluble unsaturated diene monomers; monomer (B) is at least one compound with the general formula of wherein R is C1-C12alkyl, C1-C12 alkyl aryl, C1-C12 alkyl ether or C1-C12alkyl ester. Monomer (A) is in an amount of 60-90% by weight of the total combined weight of monomer (A) and monomer (B). Monomer (B) is in an amount of 10-40% by weight of the total combined weight of monomer (A) and monomer (B). The flexible polymer particles show excellent flexibility, deformability, elasticity as well as stability. They can be used in oilfields in nearby wellbore profile control and in-depth profile control or as in-depth flooding fluid diverting agents.

Abstract: Methods of combining water-in-oil emulsion polymers with aqueous saline well treating fluids and compositions are provided. A composition of the invention basically comprises hydraulic cement, an aqueous saline fluid sufficient to form a slurry, a polymer precipitation and coagulation preventing surfactant, and a water-in-oil emulsion polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrogels containing polyvinyl alcohols and/or polyvinyl alcohol copolymers having special geometries, methods for the production of said hydrogels, and the use of the hydrogels as materials in the biomedical and pharmaceutical field, for producing contact lenses, for the controlled release of active substances, as a carrier material for inclusion-immobilized biocatalysts, a carrier material for transition metal catalysts, a material for producing reactive membranes, an additive to drilling fluid, a displacing agent in oil recovery, a cement additive and an additive to highly viscous liquids such as crude oil to improve the flowability and increase the speed of conveyance, and a component of cosmetic products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating porous and permeable underground formations or cavities of reservoir rock or sand foundation type. The method consists in injecting a liquid composition comprising microgels into the formations in order to reduce the production of water, gas or sands, and/or for zone abandonment.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the treatment of a hydrocarbon well which method comprises administering, down the well, inverse suspension polymerized polymer particles having immobilized therein a well treatment chemical or a precursor or generator thereof.

Abstract: Methods of steam flooding for stimulating hydrocarbon production are provided. In general, the methods comprise the steps of: (A) injecting a mutual solvent preflush fluid capable of dissolving oil into the near-wellbore region of at least a portion of a wellbore; (B) injecting an aqueous preflush fluid further comprising a surfactant capable of oil-wetting silica; (C) injecting a treatment fluid into the near-wellbore region, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a curable resin, and wherein: (i) when injected, the curable resin is in an uncured state; and (ii) after being cured, the curable resin is stable up to at least 350° F. (177° C.); and (D) driving steam to break through the near-wellbore region.

Abstract: Treatment fluids comprising: an aqueous base fluid; and a stimuli-degradable gel formed by a reaction comprising a gelling agent; and a stimuli-degradable cross linking agent described by the following formula: R1-[A]-[R3—[B]—R2 wherein R1 and R2 may be the same or different, and are selected from the group consisting of: substituted or unsubstituted ethylenically unsaturated groups, N-acryl, O-acryl, acrylol, vinyl, allyl, maleimide, and derivatives or combinations thereof; A and B are optional bridging units; and R3 is a degradable group or polymer.

Abstract: A process for treating an earth formation is disclosed, the process may include: injecting a gelling agent into the earthen formation; injecting a crosslinking agent into the earthen formation; and reacting the gelling agent and the crosslinking agent to form a gel. The gelling agent may include at least one of a lignin, a lignosulfonate, a tannin, a tannic acid, a modified lignin, a modified lignosulfonate, a modified tannin, a modified tannic acid, biopolymers, starches, carboxy methyl cellulose, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyamines, polyether amines, poly vinyl amines, polyethylene imines, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition having a nonionic, fluorinated polymeric surfactant, water and solvent. Embodiments of compositions according to the present invention are useful, for example, for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean clastic formations.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of well treatment comprising introducing into the matrix surrounding a hydrocarbon well bore hole an emulsion the discontinuous phase of which comprises a non-polymerizable, water or oil miscible liquid carrier, a polymerizable monomer and a thermally activated polymerization initiator, said monomer constituting from 2 to 40% wt. of said discontinuous phase.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a water-based drilling mud for utilization in the drilling of oil wells comprising an aqueous phase wherein the aqueous phase contains an oil soluble polymer in the form of a gel as a fluid loss reducer. The subject invention further reveals a method of lubricating a drilling bit during the drilling of a well which comprises circulating a water-based drilling mud in the vicinity of the drilling bit wherein the water-based drilling mud is comprised of an aqueous phase, and wherein the aqueous phase contains an oil soluble polymer in the form of a gel as a fluid loss reducer.

Abstract: A method and composition is provided for a relative permeability modifying polymer for use with drilling fluids that comprises a water soluble polymer formed from a hydrophobic or hydrophobically modified hydrophilic monomer and a hydrophilic monomer. In an alternative embodiment, a method is provided for producing a water soluble polymer formed from a hydrophilic monomer for use as a relative permeability modifying polymer.

Abstract: A material and a device for releasing chemicals in a fluid environment is disclosed, and a method for releasing substances into downhole fluid environments. The invention also relates to materials for sand control and hydraulic fracturing. The substance release device typically comprises a polymeric material for releasing a substance into a downhole fluid environment in a well, and in preferred embodiments the material comprises a spherical, plastic chemical release capsule which is hard, permeable and may encapsulate a range of solids and/or liquids for subsequent release. These solids or liquids can include inhibitors such as scale inhibitors and other oilfield production chemicals for release into the wellbore of an oil or gas producing well or a water injection well.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of stimulating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well. The formation has a water-bearing section and a hydrocarbon-bearing section. The method includes the steps of: (a) introducing into the formation an aqueous treatment fluid containing a hydrophobically-modified relative permeability modifier, and (b) introducing an acidizing treatment fluid into the formation. The hydrophobically-modified RPM can be formed and introduced into the formation in several ways. For example, the hydrophobically-modified RPM can be the reaction product of a hydrophilic polymer and a hydrophobic compound that are capable of reacting with each other. The hydrophilic polymer is a polymer containing reactive amino groups in the polymer backbone or as pendant groups, which are capable of reacting with a hydrophobic alkyl halide compound.

Abstract: Well completion spacer fluids containing fibers and methods of using the spacer fluids are provided. A method of the invention for displacing a first fluid from a well bore with an incompatible second fluid comprises the following steps. A spacer fluid is placed between the first and second fluids to separate the first and second fluids and to remove the first fluid from the walls of the well bore. Thereafter, the first fluid and the spacer fluid are displaced from the well bore with the second fluid. The spacer fluid comprises water, a weighting material, a dispersing agent, a suspending agent and friction reducer and fibers. The spacer fluid containing the components mentioned above is preferably also foamed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a water-based drilling mud for utilization in the drilling of oil wells comprising an aqueous phase wherein the aqueous phase contains an oil soluble polymer in the form of a gel as fluid loss reducer. The subject invention further reveals a process for preparing an oil soluble polymer fluid loss control agent comprising the steps of dissolving at least one polymer in a hydrocarbon oil to form a clear solution or a gel, adding an emulsifier to the solution or the gel, and keeping the mixture under conditions of agitation until a clear creamy mixture is obtained.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing the permeabilities of subterranean formations or zones are provided. The methods of the invention are basically comprised of introducing an aqueous composition into the formation or zone comprised of water, a water soluble organic polymer, an organic gelling agent for cross-linking the organic polymer and a gel retarder comprised of a chemical compound that hydrolyzes or thermolyzes to produce one or more acids in the composition and then allowing the aqueous composition to form a cross-linked gel in the formation or zone.

Abstract: It was found that the addition of polymers to viscoelastic surfactant base system allows to adjust the rheological properties of the base fluid. Depending in particular on one side of the ratio of the concentration of added polymer and the concentration of viscoelastic surfactant and on the other side of the molecular weight of the added polymer, the same polymer—or the same type of polymer—may perform different functions such as viscosity enhancer, viscosity breaker or viscosity-recovery enhancer.

Abstract: A process for treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation having at least one hydrocarbon bearing zone and at least one water bearing zone wherein the ratio of the permeability of the hydrocarbon bearing zone(s) to the permeability of the water bearing zone(s) is in the range of from 1:20 to 3:1 comprising: a) sequentially injecting into the formation: (i) an aqueous polymer solution comprising 0.01 to 0.5 weight percent of a water-soluble polymer having from 0.01 to 7.5 mole % of crosslinkable carboxylate and/or phosphonate groups and a molecular weight in the range of 250,000 to 12,000,000; and (ii) an aqueous solution of a crosslinking agent; and b) back-producing the aqueous polymer solution over the crosslinking agent so that the polymer crosslinks within the formation to form a gel which is collapsible to allow hydrocarbon flow.

Abstract: A well service fluid composition comprises a fracturing fluid and a gas hydrate inhibitor. Preferably, the gas hydrate inhibitor does not affect the function of the fracturing fluid and is present in an amount sufficient to control and/or minimize the formation of gas hydrates. The well service fluid composition is useful in hydraulic fracturing in which the composition is injected into a subterranean formation under sufficient pressure to initiate and propagate a fracture in the formation. The fracturing fluid may be subsequently recovered when the fracturing operation is completed.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods for completing wells in unconsolidated subterranean zones. More specifically, the present invention relates to cement compositions useful in subterranean applications, and more particularly, to permeable cement compositions and methods for forming consolidated permeable cement masses in well bores to prevent sand influx into the well bores with produced fluids. In one embodiment, the permeable cement compositions of the present invention comprise a hydraulic cement, water, and a degradable material capable of undergoing an irreversible degradation downhole.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for sealing subterranean zones containing oil to prevent the uncontrolled flow of fluids into or from the zones. The compositions basically comprise water, a phosphonic acid ester, a multivalent metal ion releasing compound and an organophilic clay.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a well treatment fluid to a productive zone of a subterranean formation at the same time that a well bore is being drilled is provided. The method includes the steps of delivering a drill-in fluid to a drill bit drilling a well bore in, or adjacent to, the productive zone; removing drill cuttings from the well bore; and simultaneous with these steps injecting the treatment fluid into the productive zone. The apparatus includes at least three nested tubes, which form one internal flow path and two annuluses. The drill-in fluid and drill cuttings are delivered to, and removed from, the drill bit, respectively, through the internal flow path and one of the two annuluses. The treatment fluid is delivered to the subterranean formation through the remaining annulus and an expandable bladder mounted to the intermediate and outer tubes.

Abstract: A method of isolating a subterranean zone using a sealant composition comprising a partially polymerized furfuryl compound selected from the group consisting of furfuryl alcohol, furfuryl aldehyde, and combinations thereof, and pumping the sealant composition into a well bore positioned adjacent to the subterranean zone. A conduit is placed in the well bore to allow the sealant composition to be pumped into the well bore. The sealant composition is pumped down through the conduit and up through an annulus disposed between the conduit and walls of the well bore. After the sealant composition has cured in the annulus, it isolates the interior of the conduit from the subterranean zone and attaches the conduit to the walls of the well bore. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the polymerized furfuryl compound to the non-polymerized furfuryl compound in the sealant composition ranges from about 1:1 to about 10:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds of the formula (1) in which R1 is C1- to C24-alkyl, C2- to C24-alkenyl or a C6- to C18-aryl radical which may be substituted by a C1- to C24-alkyl group, R2, R3 independently of one another, are hydrogen, C1- to C18-alkyl, or C8- to C7-cycloalkyl, or R2 and R3, including the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a ring of 4 to 8 ring atoms, in which oxygen or nitrogen atoms may also be present in addition to carbon. A are identical or different C2- to C4-alkylene radicals, B is C1- to C7-alkylene, and n is an integer from 1-40, as gas hydrate inhibitors.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for consolidating proppant in subterranean fractures are provided. In accordance with a method of the invention, proppant particles coated with a furfuryl alcohol resin composition are mixed with a gelled liquid fracturing fluid and the fracturing fluid is pumped into a subterranean zone. The fracturing fluid forms one or more fractures in the subterranean zone and deposits the proppant particles coated with the resin composition therein. Thereafter, the hardenable resin composition on the proppant particles is allowed to harden by heat and consolidate the proppant particles into chemical and thermal degradation resistant permeable packs.

Abstract: A method and composition is provided for sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore and restoring lost circulation, wherein the composition basically comprises a mixture of latex, melamine-formaldehyde resin, and a catalyst.

Abstract: Gelled organic compositions and methods for using same. The gelled compositions may be liquid organic fluids, such as gelled liquid hydrocarbons, formed from a mixture of an organic-base fluid, a carboxylic acid, and one or more metal source compounds, such as a metal salt of carboxylic acid. The gelled compositions may be used in variety of applications including, but not limited to, oil field, pipeline and processing facility applications.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for reducing the permeability of subterranean zones. More particularly, water-soluble polymeric compositions which form cross-linked gels in the zones. In general, the composition comprises (a) at least one water-soluble polymer; (b) at least one organic gelling agent capable of cross-linking the water-soluble polymer; and (c) at least one water-soluble formate. More preferably, the water-soluble polymer is a copolymer of (i) at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer, and (ii) at least one copolymerisable ethylenically unsaturated ester. The gelling agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of a polyalkyleneimine, polyfunctional aliphatic amine, an aralkylamine, and a heteroaralkylamine. The preferred water-soluble formate is selected from the group consisting of ammonium formate, lithium formate, sodium formate, potassium formate, rubidium formate, cesium formate, and francium formate.

Abstract: Methods are provided for stimulation of hydrocarbon production from low permeability formations by hydraulic fracturing, acid fracturing, and hydraulic fracturing followed by gravel packing in a single operation. The methods use a first injected viscous pad made with low concentration uncrosslinked polymer to initiate and propagate the fracture and control fluid loss, followed by a second injected fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant for carrying proppant or acid into the fracture.

Abstract: Well-working fluid compositions containing certain processed inorganic, oil and water wettable ground elastomeric crumb rubber materials to decrease the seepage loss of various fluids to subterranean formations in which these well working fluids are required and utilized are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of reducing the seepage and whole mud loss of these well working fluids utilizing such ground elastomeric crumb rubber materials.

Abstract: The use of a hydrophobically modified water soluble polymer is described capable of being chemically cross-linked so as to produce a stable gel for blocking a water-bearing formation from a hydrocarbon-producing well. The polymer is essentially linear having hydrophilic side groups located at random positions along its backbone.

Abstract: A method of treating a well including injecting a thermally stable, substantially water-free well-treating fluid into the well, wherein the well-treating fluid comprises a polymer, a glycol compound, and a salt is disclosed. In another embodiment, a thermally stable, substantially water-free well fluid including a polymer, a diol compound, and a salt is disclosed.